Automatic gasoline station



Oct. 31; 1939. P MASSQN- 2,177,834

AUTOMATIC GASOLINE STATION,

Original Filed Dec. 6, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ziggy ngan Oct. 31, 1939.

P. K. MASSON AUTOMATIC GASOLINE STATION Original Filed Dec. e, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 1 I. I v ATTORNEY Eggy K.M aaora BY 511* atented Oct. 31, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application December 8, 1937, Serial No. 178,246

- Renewed March 2'7, 1939 3 Claims. (Cl. 221-95) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a gasoline, oil, and the like dispenser.

The invention has for an object the construc- 6 tion of a dispenser as mentioned which is characterized by the fact that it is capable of automatic operation controlled-by coins. By use of the dispenser the requirements of service station attendants is reduced or eliminated. with this 10- device a large station requiring several attendants could operate successfully with one attend-. ant actingin the capacity or host and watchman. A small station need have no attendant.

The invention contemplates to so construct the dispenser that'it is possible to dispense gasoline or oil or other liquids. It is proposed that at each station there be at least one gasoline and one oil dispenser so that the needs. of the.

motorist may be supplied.

The invention proposes to so construct the dispenser that various quantities of gasoline or oil may be purchased. It is proposed to provide a plurality of openings representing various denominations of coins, such as 5, 10, 15, 25, etc.,

so that a motorist may buy various quantities. I

Furthermore, the invention contemplates to provide the dispenser with a sign giving the price of the gasoline, and an arrangement whereby the sign is adjustable'to change the price. Further- 80' more, a mechanism is contemplated connected with the sign and adapted to control the quantity of gasoline or oil dispensed for a particular coin value, depending upon the prices of the fluids. The arrangement is such that if the price is 85 higher, less gasoline will be supplied; and if lower more gasoline will be supplied, and the supply will be in direct relation to the price value of the gasoline. Still further the invention contemplates an 40 arrangement whereby the oil and gasoline dispenser controls a water supply and an air supply. The arrangement is such that when a customer deposits any denomination of coin the.

' tool chamber or chambers. It is further proposed that each chamber be provided with a door which is normally locked and which is controlled in a manner sothat when any denomination of coin is deposited in the machine the door of onetool chamber will be openable.

The invention also proposes to so arrange the mechanism which controls the door and tool chamber that it is required that the door of the tool chamber be first closed before the supply of gasoline purchased by a motorist may be 8 drawn ofl.

Another object of the invention is to provide satisfactory illumination for the dispenser so that 7 it may be used at night.

Still further the invention contemplates to'll) protect the coin box against robbery. It is proposed to provide an extra heavyarmour plate .or other protection across the front of the coin box.

Still further the invention contemplates to so 1 construct the dispenser that an alarm system may be associated therewith for giving an alarm in the event that one tinkers with the device.

It is also proposed that suitable gauges and mechanism be associated with the dispenser for I indicating the quantity of gasoline or oil delivered and indicating whether or not there is an available supply of gasoline and oil in the dispenser device. t

It is also proposed to provide a flash sign 8 which would read Empty or "Out of Order when the supply of gasoline or oil is depleted.

It is proposed to so construct the machine that V a water pump may be used in combination with the water supply, to supply water, particularly in suburban areas where there are no available public water supplies.

Furthermore, the invention contemplates to so construct the dispenser that a register may be associated therewith for registering the II amount of money received by the dispenser.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended 4Q claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a ma terial part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser con- 45 structed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view of Fig. 1 taken immediately behind the front wall of the device. r

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in on the line 3-3 of Fig- 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the linel-JofFig. 2.

' Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of-Flg. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view looking in the direction of the line 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig 5 but illustrating the door in an open condition.

The dispenser, according to this invention, comprises a body ID from which there extends a water hose I, an air hose I2 and a gasoline hose l3. An adjustable sign I4 is mounted on the body in a position so that one price upon the sign is viewable. The body I is also provided with a gauge l5 to give readings of the amount of gasoline dispensed. Above this gauge |5 there is an electric lamp l6 for its illumination. Another electric lamp I1 is mounted above the sign l4. The hose nozzles l2 and I3 are provided with the usual hand valves.

The body Ill is also provided with a door l8 at its front for access to a tool compartment l9 built into the body. At the side the body l0 has so an armoured door covering a coin box 2| supported within the body. There is also a window opening 22 through which a sign 23 is viewable. This sign is adapted to indicate when the dispenser is empty of gasoline. Above the window opening 22 there are a plurality of coin openings 24. Above each coin opening there is a different denomination of coin indication for which the particular opening is intended.

Within the body Ill there is supported a plurality of containers 25, 25, etc. (see Fig. 3). These containers are of different sizes and one being provided for each coin slot 24. Each container 25 25*, etc., is adapted to receive and hold a measured supply of gasoline.

The container 25 is formed with an opening in its bottom face through which a piston 21 extends. This piston is adapted to be moved inwards and outwards and controls the capacity of the container. The piston 21 is supported by a rack bar 28 which meshes with a pinion 29 on a shaft 30 rotatively supported. This shaft is provided with a pinion 3| engaged by a rack bar 32. This rack bar 32 is connected with the sign l4. The casing ID has a projecting portion I0"- into which the sign |4 slidably engages. This projecting portion lll has a window opening 33 throughwhich a portion of the sign |4 may be seen. This free portion gives the price of the gasoline. It should be noted that as the sign I4 is adjusted the piston 21 will be correspondingly moved and so vary the capacity of the containers 25 in relation to the price of the gasoline.

The rack bar 32 has a continuation 32 which I meshes with a pinion 3 on a shaft 3|! rotatively supported. This shaft 3|! has a pinion 29 meshing with a rack 23 connected with the piston 2'| extending into the container 25 In a similar manner each of the containers of the device is connected with the sign l4, and as the sign is adjusted, the capacities of each of the containers are correspondingly adjusted.

The sign I4 is adapted to be locked in various adjusted positions. There is a bolt 34 engaging through aligned openings in the opposed faces of the projecting portion ID. A look 35 is adapted to engage through an opening in the bolt 34 and hold the bolt fixed. The sign |4 may be adjusted by first removing the lock 35, removing the bolt 34, and then shifting the sign H to its new position. The sign I4 is formed with a plurality of openings 36 through one of which the bolt 34 may pass to hold the sign in its new position. The sign I4 is slidably supported by a hearing or sup- P rt 31.

The containers 25, 25 etc. are supplied with gasoline by a pump 38. This pump has a feed line 39 extending downwards into the ground into a reservoir of gasoline for the dispensers. The discharge 40' from the pump 38 extends upwards and connects with each of the containers. For each container, there is a valve 39' at the inlet to the container. Each container is provided with an exhaust pipe 40. There is a valve 4| in the exhaust pipe immediately adjacent the container. The valves 39' and 4| are connected for unitary operation by a rod 42. The valves are so set that when one valve is opened the other is closed, and vice versa.

A spring 43 normally urges each of the rods 42 upwards. A catch is provided for holding each of the rods in a lowered position. Each catch consists of a projection 44 from the rod 42 engageable beneath a spring pressed keeper 45. An arm 46 projects from the rod 42 and connects with the core of a solenoid 41 adapted when energized to move the rods 42 downwards so that it is engaged and held by the catch 45. A cable 48 connects with the catch and extends through an opening 49 in the body H) of the dispenser to the exterior, (see Fig. 1). This cable 48 may be pulled to open the catch when desired.

A mercury switch 50 is mounted on the top of each of the containers 25, etc. Each of these switches is controlled by a float 5|. The arrangement is such that when the containers is full of gasoline, the float will be lifted to tilt the mercury switch 50 and open the circuit. The amount of gasoline discharged into each of the containers 25*, etc. is measured by the gauge IS. The details of the gauge and its connection to the gasoline supply will not be given in this specification since it forms no part of the invention.

For each tank 25, etc. there is a solenoid switch 52 which is controlled by a coin switch 53, one coin switch being provided for each of the coin slots 24. These coin slots connect with coin chutes 24 which extend downwards and dis- 1 charge into the cash box 2|. As a coin passes through any one of the chutes 24 it will close the particular switch 53 therein, and this switch will control the operation of one of the containers 25 or 25'', etc.

The switch 53 is arranged in an electric circuit 0 54 which includes a source of electricity 55 and the coil 52* of the solenoid switch 52. The switch 52 of the solenoid switch 52 is arranged in a circuit 58. This circuit 56 includes a source of power 51, a motor 58 for driving the pump 38; the solenoid coil 41, the mercury switch 50, the coil 52 of the solenoid switch 52, and the switch 52 The electrical arrangement may be understood from the following explanation: Normally, the rod 42 is in its raised position, in which position the valve 39' is closed and the valve 4| is opened. When a coin is deposited into one of the slots 24 it passes through one of the chutes 24' and momentarily closes one of the switches 53. This switch 53 controls the circuit 54 which energizes the solenoid switch 52. Thus the switch 52 is closed. This latter switch controls the circuit 55 which passes through the solenoid coil 52 to keep the solenoid 52 energized and so maintains the switch 52' in its closed position. The circuit 56 controls the operation of the motor 58 55 operates the solenoid 41 which moves the rod 42 downwards. The rod is caught and held in this downward position by the catch 45. In its downward position the valve 4| is closed and the valve'39 is opened.

The pump38 is now operating and supplying gasoline to the container 25. This continues until the container 25* is completely full, and then the. float 5| is lifted and operates the switch 50 to break the circuit 56. Immediately, that switch 52 is opened which stops the operation of the pump and also the functioning of thesolenoid 41. Even though the solenoid 41 is now inoperative, the rod 42 maintains its lowered position because the catch 45. holds it. The supply of gasoline cannot be drawn oif until the chain 48 is pulled to release the catch 45 so that the rod 42 moves upwards. Then the valve 4| will be opened and the valve 39f .will be closed and the contents of the tank will flow through the pipe which connects with thegasoiine hose l3 so that the user may discharge the gasoline into the tank of his automobile or wherever-he desires.

It should be noted that there was a period when the device was inactive andthe gasoline was not delivered as yet. During this period the customer may use the water, the air, and the tools of the machine. More specifically, the rod 42 has an arm 60 connected with it. This arm 60 controls a valve 6|, arranged in the water supply hose The valve 5| is so arranged that when the rod 60 is down the valve is open. Another valve 62 is 1 connected with the rod 60 and is also open in the bracket 65.

The front end of the lever 63 engages behind a keeper 66 mounted on the door i8 of the tool compartment l9. When the lever 63 engages the keeper 66 the door I8 is locked. When the rod l5 moves downwards the lever 63 will be axial on the pin. 69.

pivoted so that its free end moves upwards out from the keeper 66 as shown in Fig. 7. Then the tool door is open. A dog 68 is pivotally mounted by a pintle 69 intermediate of its ends on the freeend of the lever 66 and has a top end 68 urged against thedoor by a small spring 10 co- The bottom end 68' is adapted to extend over the keeper 66 when the door I8 is opened. .Therefore, when the door l8 isopened the lever 63 cannot pivot to permit the rod 60 to move upwards. Since therod 60 is directly connected with the rod 42 the gasoline cannot be dispensed as long as the tool door is open. a

The tool compartment I9 is provided with plurality of tools 12 which are connected with chains 13. While .the tools may be removed from the tool compartment because of the chains,- they cannot be stolen. Furthermore, because of the chains the door l8 cannot be closed unless the tools are replaced within the compartment l9. It'is therefore a requirement that the tools be replaced before the gasoline is dispensed.

For each container- 25, 25, etc. there is a separate tool compartment i9 having a separate door l8, as clearly shown in'Fig. 1. 'Thus, when one makes a purchase of gasoline for any denomination, one of the tool compartments will be.

opened and the tools of this compartment made available. For each purchase the water and air will also be available in a similar manner.

The valves corresponding to the valves GI and which connectswith a float 82.

62 for each of the containers, should be connected that when any one ofthe containers is opened there is a supply of water and air available.

A slide 15 is disposed above the coin slots 24 and is' adapted to slip down in the space I6 behind the coin slots to cover up the coin slots when the dispenser is empty. This slide I5 is supported on a rod 11 which is slidably mounted in bearings 18. The rod 11 is also provided with an arm 19 supporting the sign 23. This is the sign which is viewable through the window opening 22 when the rod 11 is in a lowered position.

A spring connected between the rod 11 and one of the bearings 18, normally urges the rod 11 into a raised position. The rod 11 extends downwards into the gasoline supply tank in the earth. At its bottom it is ,connected with a cable 8| a sufficient quantity of gasoline in the gasoline supply tank the fioat 82 will not draw the rod 11 While there is I downwards. But as the supply falls and after it is empty or out of order. and the coin chutes will be closed so that no coins may be deposited.

The oil dispenser shown in Fig. 1, is similar to the gasoline dispenser, and the various parts may be identified by corresponding reference numerals.

The operation of the device is as follows: The dispenser may be adjusted for price changes by removing the lock 35, the bolt 34, and shifting the price sign l4 to its new position in which the new rice is displayed through the window open ing 35. In the new position of. the price sign l4 the rod 32 connected therewith will be moved which indirectly causes movement of the pistons 21 of each of the containers 25, etc. The device is now set to dispense at the new price.

When one desires gasoline for a certain sum of .money. he drops that particular sum into the slots 24 of the machine. The coins passing in these slots will close the switches 53, wh ch in turn indirectly will cause the operation of the pump 38 and the energizing the solenoids 41 in the particular circuits of the coins deposited. The solenoids 41 will move the rods 42 downwards of the particular containers 25 etc. The valves 39 are now open and the. valves 4| closed. The

containers are now supplied with the gasoline. During this period the water control valve or valves .SI and the air control valve or valves 62 are opened so that water and air are available. Furthermore, the door or doors of the tool chest or chests are open so that the tools are available.

After the containers 25, etc. are full the pump will stop operating. Then the gasoline may be dispensed bv pulling the chain 48 which opens the catch 49 so that the rod 42 may be pulled u wards by the spring 43. The valve 39 is now closed and the valve 4| is open and the gasoline discharged.

coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent, is:

1. In a liquid dispensing device as described, a container for a measured supply of oil, gasoline or the like liquid, a piston for extending into said tank for reducing its capacity, an adjustable sign for giving the price of said gasoline, oil and the like, means connected between said sign and piston for moving said piston to change the capacity of the container according to the price indicated in said sign, a pump for supplying said liquid to said container, valves at the inlet and exhaust to said container, a rod connecting said valves to operate in opposite phases, that is when one is closed the other is opened, a catch cooperative with said rod to hold the exhaust valve closed, and means for releasing said catch, and a chain connected with said catch for the manual opening thereof.

2. In a liquid dispensing device as described, a container for a measured supply of oil, gasoline or the like liquid, a piston for extending into said tank for reducing its capacity, an adjustable sign for giving the price of said gasoline, oil and the like, means connected between said sign and piston for moving said piston to change the capacity of the container according to the price indicated in said sign, a pump for supplying said liquid to said container, valves at the inlet and exhaust to said container, a rod connecting said valves to operate in opposite phases, that is when one is closed the other is opened, a catch cooperative with said rod to hold the exhaust valve closed, and means for releasing said catch, and a chain connected with 'said catch for the manual opening thereof, said chain comprising said catch releasing means.

3. In a liquid dispensing device as described, a container for a measured supply of oil, gasoline or the like liquid, a piston for extending into said tank for reducing its capacity, an adjustable sign for giving the price of said gasoline, oil and the like, means connected between said sign and piston for moving said piston to change the capacity of the container according to the price indicated in said sign, a pump for supplyng said liquid to said container, valves at the inlet and exhaust to said container, a rod connectng said valves to operate in opposite phases, that is when one is closed the other is opened, a catch cooperative with said rod to hold the exhaust valve closed, means for releasing said catch, means for driving said pump, and means for moving said rod to hold the exhaust valve closed synchronized to act upon operation of said pump driving means.

PEGGY K. MASSON. 

